Madison School Student Honored for Book, Anti-Bullying Advocacy

Madison School 4th grader LaNiyah Bailey was recently honored with a “Kids Rock Award” for Best Author. The October 3 event, hosted by WGCI radio personality Demi Lobo, recognizes children who have made a positive difference in their communities and who have done exceptional work in athletics, the arts, and other fields. Bailey was highlighted for the book she penned “Not Fat Because I Wanna Be” and her related anti-bullying work.

The ten year-old Hinsdale resident began writing as therapy after experiencing bullying in her former school due to her weight. “It doesn’t feel good to be bullied,” Bailey shares, “and being a bully doesn’t make any sense. You wouldn’t want someone doing it to you.”

Like Bailey, the main character in the book, Jessica, has a medical condition that causes weight gain and her classmates and teacher treat her unkindly. In “Not Fat Because I Wanna Be,” Jessica follows the steps that Bailey advises for any student experiencing bullying – she tells a trusted adult and tells the bullies how their actions make her feel. In the end, Jessica and the bullies become friends. “Sometimes people who bully are jealous or they just don’t know you,” Bailey explains. “You shouldn’t let it go to your head and you should stand up for yourself, but you have to be careful or you could become the bully.”

Bailey explains that her mother, LaToya White, was her biggest supporter, encouraging her writing and then doing extensive research to find the right illustrator for the book (Laura Pérez Ricaud) and the Australian publishing house that helped guide the development of a fictional take on Bailey’s story. White notes, “Witnessing LaNiyah inspire, empower, and encourage children and adults around the globe shows me that I’ve done something right. It was my only hope to empower her and to help raise her self-esteem at a time when it was low. I think she’s got it from here! I am very happy to see how LaNiyah has evolved. Her growth and courage is amazing!”

After the book was published, Bailey participated in a number of radio and TV interviews, including a guest spot on Ricki Lake. Bailey was asked to help provide encouragement to a woman who had become a recluse after years of bullying. Bailey recalled telling the woman she was beautiful and not to be afraid. “I told her that if someone judges you, act like it’s air – just go right through it.”

Bailey has also made appearances at events for authors, meeting the likes of Taye Diggs, Common, Tyra Banks, and Disney television characters. She also received a letter of praise from First Lady Michelle Obama. Most recently, Bailey traveled to Korea, where her book is being used in teachers’ lesson plans. In her travels, Bailey says the message she hears most often is to “keep up the good work” and encouragement to continue making a positive change.

Bailey’s teacher at Madison School, Sheryl Cebula, continues to share that encouragement at school and sees Bailey having a positive effect on her classmates. “Having LaNiyah in class and hearing her share about her experiences is uplifting and inspirational to us all because she has helped us remind that each person can make a difference in the lives of others.”

In addition to the book, Bailey helped to create an activity and coloring book featuring Jessica and her sidekick Diva Pup, named for Bailey’s dog Diva. Diva Pup can sense when someone is being bullied and the team goes to the rescue to provide strategies to help the victim feel safe. “They try to help,” Bailey says, “but they don’t make everyone get along. They just try to find out why it’s happening and stop the bullying.”

When asked if she aspires to having a career in writing, Bailey says that while she wants to be an author on the side, she has her sights set on being a lawyer or FBI agent. She is currently focused on school and her interests such as basketball, soccer, and art, as well as the next project for her anti-bullying work - an app for students and schools that incorporates lessons on bullying with games that have information focused on friendship and positive messages. Madison School Principal Melinda McMahon believes there may be other opportunities to share those messages, as well. “I plan to have LaNiyah offer our younger students the skills to instill confidence in their response to others who do not speak respectfully.” For more information about Bailey and her anti-bullying advocacy work, visit www.notfatbecauseiwannabe.com.